2017 Wyoming Gift Guide

The holidays are one of our favorite times of the year here in Wyoming. There's nothing like gathering with your dear family and friends while celebrating the end of the year behind us. Around here, we believe that one of the best parts of the Christmas and holiday season is picking the perfect gift for the ones you love. Our best advice: forgo the big box stores and shop this list of some of our favorite homegrown shops that specialize is the best of Wyoming-made products.

1. Range Leather Company

Proudly handcrafted at an elevation of 7,220 feet, Range Leather Company creates stunning, detailed leather goods that are reminiscent of all things Wyoming. Ranges Leather Company products include wallets, dopp kits, journals, leather jewlery and bags, all crafted in the shadow of Snowy Range Mountains in Laramie. Their line is almost guaranteed to have something for someone (or everyone) on your Christmas list.

The craft brewing and distilling scene has been booming in the West for awhile now, but the guys at Big Lost Meadery are doing things a little differently. Located in historic downtown Gillette, Big Lost creates a honey-based liquor that is sure to keep you warm on a brisk Wyoming evening. The first and only meadery in Wyoming, Big Lost calls to your inner viking (and when something calls to your inner viking, your inner viking better answer). Plus, they make some great mead. Their honey concoctions are meant to be consumed from a horn, but no matter how you drink it we recommend that you buy an extra bottle for yourself.

Fun fact: the first river surfing ever recorded in America took place on the Snake River right here in Wyoming. Surf Wyoming is a fun and visually pleasing (trust us on this) apparel brand that sits at the base of the Bighorn Mountains in one of Wyoming's most charming western towns—Sheridan. Their love for celebrating Wyoming can be seen in their artful graphic apparel, designs and iconic bison hats, all of which are certain to delight any Wyoming-loving friend on your gift list.

There's truly nothing quite like a quality handmade wood piece of furniture or art. Not only are the products from Centennial Woods beautiful, they're made from recycled Wyoming snow fences. In case you're not familiar, snow fences (ranging in lengths of six to 12 feet) line many of Wyoming's highways to prevent snow from piling on the roads. Turns out, Wyoming's weather is the perfect aging process for the fences and the folks at Centennial Woods create furniture, decor and stunning wood panneling with the upcycled wood.

If you don't think artisan choclates and cowboys go hand in hand, then we've got news for you: they do. Tim Kellogg originally made truffles to sell at the Cody Stampede to raise money for a new bronc saddle and to put it simply, the rest is history. The Meeteetse Chocolatier uses only the best ingredients and each item is made fresh by Tim every single day in his shop in Meeteetsee. These chocolates aren't meant to be frozen or stored, so we recommend planning accordingly if you order online. Our advice: order an extra box for yourself.

We're here to let you in on a secret: Mountain Meadow Wool is one of Wyoming's treasures. Located in Buffalo, Meadow Mountain Wool is a family-operated mill that creates high-quality wool goods in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, with a mission to not only revitalize the American wool industry, but to also support local ranches. Shop their collection of yarns, apparel and home goods to find something to keep all of your loved ones nice and cozy this winter.

December is synonomous with delectable baked goods and it's our duty to introduce you to some of the best, especially if you're looking for a sweet treat or two to pick up for a holiday party. In Torrington, try Sweet Lou's Bakery and Cafe (order their caramel pecan roll) and The Bread Doctor. In Cheyenne, pick up treats from Eileen's Colossal Cookies or order specialty cupcakes from Swirls and Pearls. Jackson's Persephone Bakery also has a slew of treats (including caramel sauce, cookies and an emergency s'mores kit) that are perfect for Christmas gifts. And if you're in Lander, we recommend picking up biscotti from the Lander Bake Shop.